The United States is deepening its strategic presence in the Balkans through a series of multi-billion-dollar agreements focused on energy security and artificial intelligence development. Signed during a regional summit in Dubrovnik, the deals involve cooperation with several Balkan countries to expand liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure and reduce dependence on existing external energy suppliers. Key agreements include long-term LNG export arrangements, new pipeline projects, and investment commitments aimed at strengthening regional energy resilience. Alongside energy initiatives, the US is also supporting large-scale AI infrastructure development, including plans for a major data center project in central Croatia with significant computing capacity for cloud services and AI workloads. Officials describe these efforts as part of a broader strategy to enhance regional stability, diversify energy sources, and promote advanced digital infrastructure. The initiatives also highlight growing international competition over both energy systems and AI capabilities, as governments increasingly link technological development with geopolitical influence and economic security in Southeast Europe.
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